The Dissenter

#1045 Will Gervais - Disbelief: The Origins of Atheism in a Religious Species

Jan 13, 2025
Will Gervais, a cultural and evolutionary psychologist from Brunel University London, dives deep into the origins of atheism and its evolutionary significance. He challenges popular misconceptions about religion, examining beliefs and morality through a psychological lens. Gervais also explores the unique role of humans as a religious species, the societal complexities behind belief retention, and the ethical behavior of atheists versus the religious. He highlights the nuanced factors influencing both terror and cooperation in religious contexts, painting a dynamic picture of belief in modern society.
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